Wine Lovin Women

Willamette Valley -Fire, Volcanic eruptions, Earthquakes, Floods and coastal effects…..sounds like the makings of a new disaster movie however it is actually the makings of some great soil for one of the largest AVA in Oregon, extending from Portland to Eugene. Many factors contribute to a wines flavor, mostly what happens in the cellar however one of the elements is the soil the grapes are gown in. The Cascade mountains on the East and Coastal mountain range to the West with low hillsides, which make up the 6 AVA (American Viticultural Area) regions in Oregon; Dundee Hills AVA, Chehalem Mountains AVA, Ribbon Ridge AVA, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, McMinnville AVA, Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This trip, we went to Newberg and Dundee area, here are some places we visited that will hopefully inspire you to visit this region too. August Cellars- Family owned with a tasting room situated at the edge of 42 acre farmland of English Walnuts, Italian Prunes and Pinot grapes. August Cellars is ...

Walla Walla Wine Tasting at McCall Hall Another great year of wine is upon us and Denise and I kicked it off by attending the “Walla Walla Wine Tasting at McCall Hall” on Monday evening (February 8 th ).  This was our first time attending this event and it did not disappoint. Forty-five wineries were pouring.  We sampled a few old favorites but enjoyed new ones we had never tried before.  Five Star Cellars – 2011 Syrah – I tried this Syrah with duck and it was fantastic.  Food really brought out the flavors. Foundry Vineyards – 2013 Chardonnay – This chardonnay was done in steel.  The fruit really shines. Henry Earl Estates – 2012 Malbec – Very unusual Malbec.  Light with little to no tannins. Kerloo Cellars – 2013 Les Collines Syrah – Great Syrah!  Can’t wait to visit them. Tempus Cellars – 2013 Evergreen Vineyard Riesling – A nice refreshing Riesling.  Not too sweet but also not dry, just right! These are j...

Good Bye 2015……..Hello 2016 The last few hours of 2015 are upon us….and what an amazing year it has been.  2015 was a fantastic journey for both Denise and I and we are thankful to all of you who support and follow us as we explore the world of wine. We started 2015 at the Seattle Food and Wine Experience in Seattle, Washington.  We love this event and already have our tickets for 2016. If you have never been to this type of event, you need to try this one.  It sets the bar high for all others.  Some of the best restaurants of Seattle are there and the wine, beer and spirits are unbelievable.  Spring 2015 found us headed to Walla Walla.  Our dear friends Michael and Coralee open their home and hearts to us several times a year and each visit is so special.  Walla Walla valley has a rich history in agriculture.  Michael always prepares some of the best meals from local food and we always have amazing wine adventures. If you have ne...

Screw, Natural, Synthetic and now the Zork and the Vinolok! I have asked wine makers about their choice in corks, most of them use the natural cork because of tradition and the craftsmanship they put into their product they want to see this thru to the cork.  However, with all the choices now and the cost of losing a bottle to “cork” contamination other choices have gained popularity and  are due some consideration. Natural Cork Natural Corks benefits the wine aging by letting small amount of air into the bottle. Your bold wines and reds benefit from the oxygen that the cork allows in development of all the wonderful flavors that make these wines so drinkable and approachable. A natural cork though can dry out, go bad or let too much air into the bottle and the biggest problem…being “Corked” which is a very expensive loss. Agglomerated Cork This cork is made from cork dust and glue….although food safe, do you really want this in contact wit...

Tra nche Cellars We first discovered Tranche Cellars at the Gig Harbor Wine Festival,  we immediately put it on our list of Winery’s we needed to visit in Walla Walla. This Estate Winery and tasting room is beautifully done, from the concrete fermentation eggs to the large stainless tanks and rolling hills of grapevines, this is a winery that is a must see. Their spring release “Rhone Series” was perfect for this long hot summer. 2014 Pink Pape  A blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Grenche.   Beautifully done, soft with a stunning array of flavors.  Really harmonious,  with excellent length for a Rose’. 2012 Slice of Pape Blanc Roussanne, Voignier and Marsanne.  Elegant and refined with ripe fruit notes with balanced flavor. Dry, lingering easily and generously on the finish. 2011 Slice of Pape Grenache, Mouvvedre and Syrah.  Striking complexity, with richly layered fruit, ending long and well ...

With this hot summer all the Rose’ wines being produced have been fun to try.  I had the honor and privilege to judge at the recent Rose' Revival in Seattle and found Kaella Winery from Woodenville as one that really stood out with its well balanced fruit, textured structure, while being full in the mouth and remaining completely fresh.  This is a great summer wine to try. Enjoy..Cheers! Denise http://www.kaellawinery.com

Rose' The sun was heating up the day so start pouring some Rosé. The Rosé gets a bad rap from its past, comparing it to the sickening sweet “Blush” wines of long ago.    The Rose’ coming out now, you don’t need to be ashamed to admit you like.   The Rosé wine producers continue to improve the quality and array of flavors and outstanding versions are coming out now; some of the best are dry, crisp and refreshing.    The Rosé color comes from the short amount of time that the skins of the grape stay in contact with the juices…only a few hours.    Since they are fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the freshness, you will find the Rosé has little tannins. While the sun is shining, Rosé has proved to be a refreshing option to pour.    Such as the Rosé of Cabernet Franc from Columbia Valley by Masquerade Wine Company in Bellingham; this has a soft, dry fruit flavor.    Cougar Crest Winery from Walla Walla has...